The ratings show signs of resuscitated life, but why would those numbers be "incredible" for Showtime when out of the 8 major Strikeforce events this year (i.e., aside from Challengers events), the ratings for this one were actually below average and just the 6th highest of the year?

The numbers are still positive news in that it is a healthy rebound from the previous major Strikeforce broadcast, which did an abysmal 274,000 viewer average, the lowest of the year - although this last Strikeforce also benefited from the Super Six World Boxing Classic as a direct lead-in, which averaged 495,000 viewers and a household rating of 1.43, immediately before the Strikeforce broadcast - which then actually lost viewership from the boxing.

And for further context as to just how well or poorly this last Strikeforce really did for Showtime, relative to other events this year:

Despite a strong combat sports lead-in with the finals of the Super Six Wold Boxing Classic, this past weekend's "Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal" event drew just 460,000 Showtime viewers....The figure serves as just the sixth-highest mark of Strikeforce's eight "Arena Series" events to air on Showtime in 2011....

I think anything under 500,000 is a disappointment. This one was at least close to that line.

Like most Strikeforce cards, this one wasn't promoted well, although it did have the momentum of Showtime/SF announcing their new deal. The Super Six lead-in apparently meant nothing as that drew under 500,000 viewers as well. The 10:30 timeslot isn't doing them any favors either.

We'll see what happens January 7 during the Showtime free preview weekend when 60 million homes have access to the network. It's a pretty lackluster card but if it's promoted well (not a given), it should still do over 500,000.

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